Product Description
Rare CIVIL WAR Antique GWYN & CAMPBELL Saddle Ring “Union Rifle” GRAPEVINE
1 of 4,200 TYPE I Union CAVALRY CARBINES
Here we present an antique Gwyn & Campbell Type I Cavalry Saddle Ring Carbine, made circa 1863-64 in Hamilton, Ohio, by Edward Gwyn and Abner C. Campbell. The American Civil War happened during a period of great firearms advancement throughout the world, but particularly in the United States. The primary transition was from muzzle-loaders to breech-loaders, from loose ball and powder to self-contained cartridges. Dozens of different small arms, namely cavalry carbines, were used in the conflict. The war saw obsolete technology fighting next to the cutting edge, and both sides needed it all. Imagine the logistical nightmare of supplying so many different types of ammunition!
Nevertheless, here we have one of the most recognizable Civil War carbines in the Gwyn & Campbell “Grapevine” Carbine, also referred to as the “Union Rifle” or “Union Carbine”. This was a single-shot, breech-loading percussion carbine that used a prepared linen cartridge consisting of the powder and bullet. The name “Grapevine” came about to describe the round and serpentine profile of the lever, differentiating it from other variants. This came after the Cosmopolitan Carbine, of the same basic design and made by the same company. Only 4,200 of the Type I and 4,000 of the Type II were produced, making these quite scarce for Civil War and military collectors. They are known to have been issued to the following cavalry units during the Civil War: 2nd and 3rd Arkansas; 5th, 6th and 16th Illinois; 3rd and 4th Indiana’s; 4th and 8th Iowa; 2nd, 6th and 14th Kansas; 10th, 12th, 14th and 40th Kentucky; 4th and 8th Missouri; 5th and 8th Ohio; 7th Tennessee; and the 3rd Wisconsin.
The overall condition is very good. Gray patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is bright with strong rifling. The stock shows use and remains solid throughout. The letter J is scribed into the left side of the butt stock. Numbers match throughout.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 20 inches.
Caliber: .52 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
www.ancestryguns.com
$3800
#244364